Ford Sierra Manual

Road test (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)

Instruments and electrical
equipment
1 Check the operation of all instruments and
electrical equipment.

2 Make sure that all instruments read
correctly, and switch on all electrical
equipment in turn to check that it functions
properly.

Steering and suspension
3 Check for any abnormalities in the steering,
suspension, handling or road “feel”.

4 Drive the vehicle, and check that there are
no unusual vibrations or noises.

5 Check that the steering feels positive, with
no excessive “sloppiness”, or roughness, and
check for any suspension noises when
cornering, or when driving over bumps.

Drivetrain
6 Check the performance of the engine,
clutch, transmission and driveshafts.

7 Listen for any unusual noises from the
engine, clutch and transmission.

8 Make sure that the engine runs smoothly
when idling, and that there is no hesitation
when accelerating.

9 Where applicable, check that the clutch
action is smooth and progressive, that the
drive is taken up smoothly, and that the pedal
travel is not excessive. Also listen for any
noises when the clutch pedal is depressed.

10 Check that all gears can be engaged
smoothly, without noise, and that the gear lever
action is not abnormally vague or “notchy”.

Check the operation and
performance of the braking
system
11 Make sure that the vehicle does not pull to
one side when braking, and that the wheels
do not lock prematurely when braking hard.

12 Check that there is no vibration through
the steering when braking.

13 Check that the handbrake operates
correctly, without excessive movement of the
lever, and that it holds the vehicle stationary
on a slope.

14 Test the operation of the brake servo unit
as follows. With the engine off, depress the
footbrake four or five times to exhaust the
vacuum. Start the engine, holding the brake
pedal depressed. As the engine starts, there
should be a noticeable “give” in the brake
pedal as vacuum builds up. Allow the engine
to run for at least two minutes, and then
switch it off. If the brake pedal is depressed
now, it should be possible to detect a hiss
from the servo as the pedal is depressed.

After about four or five applications, no further
hissing should be heard, and the pedal should
feel considerably firmer.